Updates? From simply irresistible emerald beaches to traditional little villages, these islands tick all the boxes! Its northeastern protrusion, close to the Albanian coast, trends east-west and reaches a peak in Pantokrator Mountain (2,972 feet [906 metres]); the other range, in the island’s centre, is lower. If you are not up to a 20 minute walk, a local bus into town is available. Its old town, with its labyrinth of hilly, narrow streets, is a seat of a Greek metropolitan and a Roman Catholic bishop. 2. After the Greeks appealed to the League of Nations, the Italians were ordered to evacuate but Greece was forced to pay Italy an indemnity. Corfu TOP EXCURSIONS. The north-eastern corner of Corfu is as beautiful a chunk of the Greek islands as I have seen. It’s a fairly easy hike, with lots of signage, and you’ll weave your way through hills, mountains, lakes, lagoons, monasteries, and tiny towns. This article was most recently revised and updated by. Upon the dismemberment of the Venetian republic (1797), Corfu was assigned to France, but the French garrison soon was expelled by a Russo-Turkish fleet. "The clearest waters in Corfu island, the best beach bars and restaurants and of course the best place to relax and enjoy your holidays!!" Proudly independent and even hostile to its mother city of Corinth, the new colony was reduced (c. 600 bce) by the Corinthian tyrant Periander, but later it regained independence and devoted itself to commerce. So, let the exploration begin! The name Corfu is an Italian corruption of the Greek koryphai (“crests”) and is often a more familiar moniker to visitors than the Modern Greek name. The Greek island of Corfu, also known as Kerkyra, has been under the control of many different cultures and nations, giving it a cultured and fascinating history. The second-largest town on Corfu, Lefkimmi is probably one of the most traditional and picturesque villages on the island. (2001) city, 30,140; island, 107,879; mun., 111,081; (2011) city, 24,838; mun., 102,071. Corrections? First and the most important place to see on the island is its capital city - Kerkyra. Lying just off the coast of Epirus (Ípeiros), it is about 36 miles (58 km) long, while its greatest breadth is about 17 miles (27 km) and its area 229 square miles (593 square km). Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). In succession it fell to Goths, Lombards, Saracens, and Normans and was fought over by the kings of Sicily and the Italian city-states of Genoa and Venice. It’s a guidebook favorite because of the European-influenced architecture left behind in Corfu town by the Venetians, Romans and other empires who’ve ruled the island. Due to being under Venetian rule from the 14th century to the late 18th century, this stunning architecture can still be found on this island — especially in the capital of Corfu Town. A Variety of Choices. (Thucydides does not let his readers entirely lose sight of two other causes much discussed at the time—the Megarian decrees and the complaints of Aegina about its loss of autonomy. After the Greeks appealed to the League Seized in 229 bce by the Illyrians, it was delivered by the Romans, who retained it as a naval station and made it a free state. A Variety of Choices. 1st stop: Paxi. The island was restored to Greece in 1944. Many of its buildings and other landmarks were destroyed in the fighting of 1943, but the Royal Palace (1816), a former residence of British governors and now a museum, escaped the destruction. The second-largest Ionian Island has seen the Byzantines, Venetians, French and British come and go over the last 1,000 years, and all these cultures have left something behind. In World War II the city was again bombed by the Italians and occupied in succession (1941–44) by Italians and Germans. What is the world’s largest archipelago? Olive trees predominate, but figs, oranges, lemons, grapes, and corn (maize) are also cultivated. In 1923 the League revealed its impotence by dodging action in the Corfu crisis, in which Italian troops...…, Corfu, island in the Ionian Sea (Modern Greek: Ióvio Pélagos), with adjacent small islands...…, Benito Mussolini, Italian prime minister (1922–43) and the first of 20th-century Europe’s...…. The island’s favourable position between Greece and Italy attracted powers from east and west. Corfu Cruise Port. Rome2rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. In 1962 a palace built (1890–91) for Elizabeth, empress of Austria, was converted to use as a casino. Le Soleil «Enfin!» C'est ce que s'exclament plusieurs Madelinots, alors que les travaux entourant l'analyse de l'épave du Corfu Island, qui gît depuis 53 ans sur une plage achalandée des Îles-de-la-Madeleine, débuteront dans les prochains jours. The island of Corfu is Greece's large, green Ionian Island. Une fois l'été, de nombreux Madelinots se rendaient sur place pour voir le bateau. Corfu, Modern Greek Kérkyra, ancient (Latin) Corcyra, island in the Ionian Sea (Modern Greek: Ióvio Pélagos), with adjacent small islands making up the dímos (municipality) and pereferiakí enótita (regional unit) of Kérkyra (also called Corfu), Ionian Islands (Iónia Nisiá) periféreia (region), western Greece. The main cruise port on the island is located within walking distance of the town of Corfu. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. In August 1923 Italians forming part of an international boundary delegation were murdered on Greek soil, leading Benito Mussolini to order a naval bombardment of Corfu. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Corfu Hotel Deals: Find great deals from hundreds of websites, and book the right hotel using Tripadvisor's 458,952 reviews of Corfu hotels. the Ancona or Bari to Corfu - Igoumenitsa – Patras crossings. Updates? Fun Fact #2 The longest influence in Corfu was the Venetians, which left their mark making it feel more like an Italian town. Corfu (/ k ɔːr ˈ f (j) uː /, US also / ˈ k ɔːr f (j) uː /) or Kerkyra (Greek: Κέρκυρα, romanized: Kérkyra, pronounced ()) is a Greek island in the Ionian Sea, of the Ionian Islands, and, including its small satellite islands, forms the margin of the northwestern frontier of Greece. Warning: Get ready for some jaw-to-the-floor moments! Wander the ancient streets of the Roman village of Kassiopi or explore the central Esplanade of the eponymous Corfu Town. In 1923 Italian forces bombarded and held Corfu briefly, following the murder of an Italian boundary delegation. For a DIY spa experience, lather yourself in mineral mud on the shore of the Canal D’Amour. Paleokastritsa is the most famous beach resort, while other nice Corfu beaches include Agios Gordis, Pelekas and Glyfada. Le Corfu Island analysé... 53 ans après son naufrage. Corfu quit the war in 410, but a new alliance with Athens (375) resulted in hostilities with Sparta. Diapontia islands consist of 3 small islets with a distance between 2 and 7 marine miles from the coast of Corfu. The Greek island of Corfu (also known as Kerkyra) in the Ionian Sea, off the west coast of Greece, is one of the most beautiful island destinations in Greece. Modern Kérkyra (Corfu), the chief city, port, and capital of the dímos, lies on a peninsula on the east coast. In 1204 the island was annexed to the Greek despotate of Epirus but passed back to King Manfred of Sicily (1259) and then (1267) to the Angevins of Naples. After 303 the island changed hands several times for a quarter century. Le Corfu navigue en pleine tempête entre les Îles de la Madeleine et l’Île d’Anticosti. The island of Corfu is an intermediate port on the Italy- Greece route, i.e. Corfu TOP EXCURSIONS. If you need a place to begin, try the World Heritage Old Town of Corfu City, which is guarded by two mighty Venetian fortresses that withstood everything that the Ottoman Empire could throw at them. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/event/Corfu-incident, History Ireland - Ireland and the Corfu Crisis, 1923. 20/12/1963 : Naufrage du Corfu Islands à l’Étang-du-Nord. Having Corfu as your base, you can do trips to some awesome Greek islands near Corfu. 20 décembre 1963 : Naufrage du Corfu Islands à l'Étang-du-Nord. Incorporated into the Napoleonic empire (1807), it became a British protectorate after the emperor’s final defeat (1815). Corfu took no active part in the Persian invasion (480 bce) of Greece, but in 435 it sought the assistance of Athens in a quarrel with Corinth, a request that became a primary cause of the Peloponnesian War. …Thucydides’ first, introductory book concern Corcyra and Potidaea. According to legend, the island was Scheria, home of the Phaeacians in Homeric epic. Corfu is believed to be the island of Schera in Homer's Odyssey. Voulant accélérer la cadence, le capitaine Peter Paschalis demande d’alourdir le navire en emplissant les ballasts de 3000 tonnes additionnelles d’eau de mer. It attracts millions of tourists every year that visit the island for its elegant architecture, its greenery, the traditional villages and the wonderful beaches around the island. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. In August 1923 Italians forming part of an international boundary delegation were murdered on Greek soil, leading Benito Mussolini to order a naval bombardment of Corfu. Venetian sovereignty was restored in 1401. Fun Fact #2 The longest influence in Corfu was the Venetians, which left their mark making it feel more like an Italian town. One 4th-century Athenian orator actually dropped a casual remark to the effect…. 20/12/1963 : Naufrage du Corfu Islands à l’Étang-du-Nord. Pop. Rome2rio makes travelling from Corfu to Navagio easy. Of limestone structure, the island is mountainous in the north and low in the south. Dossier spécial tiré du Magazine LES ÎLES – Automne 2014 Le cœur se souvient toujours des histoires … The twin-peaked old citadel, with fortifications built by the Venetians (1550), was once an islet. Sitting in the Ionian Sea, several miles west off of Greece 's northwest coast and Albania's southwest coast, Corfu is the second largest of the Ionian Islands. Vidos Island lies at the mouth of the Port of Corfu and is most famous for its quarantine of Serbian soldiers during World War I. Corfu as an island sheltered many Serbian soldiers and civilians following their retreat from the Austro-Hungarian forces, although they kept many of the dying and sick on Vido to prevent outbreaks. Visit Corfu Town. Many Corfu beaches are organized and lined up with hotels, seaside restaurants, water sports centers, and beach bars. Here’s how to find the best of Corfu … Corrections? Today this reputation has led to parts of the island being defiled by mass tourism, but despite this, the Corfu of literature does still exist. 8. Corfu incident, (1923) brief occupation of the Greek island of Corfu by Italian forces. Corfu is a large mountainous island in the Ionian Sea on the west side of the Greek mainland, right at the border of Albania. Find all the transport options for your trip from Corfu to Navagio right here. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. maquettes du corfu island qui fit naufrage le 20 décembre 1963,et moi et mes amis avons tournés un film documentaire sur le sujet(le naufrage oublié) Voici une entrevue tenue le 9 décembre 2008 à Radio-Canada avec Georges Gaudet, scénariste et coréalisateur, avec Luc Fontaine, d'un documentaire A Corinthian colony established about 734 bce supplanted a settlement of Eretrians from Euboea. British administration displeased the inhabitants, however, and in 1864 Corfu was ceded, with the other Ionian Islands (Iónia Nisiá), to Greece. In the heart of the Adriatic Sea is Corfu, one of the Ionian Islands. Unique in many ways, Corfu has it all to impress: beautiful nature, mix of architecture styles due to its vibrant history, culture and wonderful Mediterranean hospitality. Sort out the facts about islands across the globe. In 2007 the Old Town of Kérkyra was named a UNESCO World Heritage site. Find out everything about your holidays in Corfu on our travel guide! Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. Corfu Town is on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. This UNESCO listed town is absolutely beautiful. ANEK LINES connects the port of Corfu with the ports of Ancona and Bari, with regular itineraries during the high season, offering top quality services and authentic Cretan philoxenia on board. Diapondia islands Placed few kilometers far from the north-west coast of Corfu island, the Diapontia islands represent a Mediterranean Paradise still far from massive tourism. Sitting in the North of the Ionian Sea, Corfu in Greece is strongly influenced by the Venetians, the French and the English and for this reason has a cosmopolitan, multicultural charm. Johanne Fournier. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. Corfu incident, (1923) brief occupation of the Greek island of Corfu by Italian forces. Vidos Island. The island escaped the great earthquake of 1953, which destroyed large parts of the southern Ionian Islands, and became very popular with tourists. Ring in the new year with a Britannica Membership. Corfu (Kerkyra) is one of the most important and beautiful islands in Greece, perhaps the greenest island with dense vegetation, unmatched in natural beauty with dozens of sightseeing, beautiful beaches, and a very dense road network Corfu, Modern Greek Kérkyra, ancient (Latin) Corcyra, island in the Ionian Sea (Modern Greek: Ióvio Pélagos), with adjacent small islands making up the dímos (municipality) and pereferiakí enótita (regional unit) of Kérkyra (also called Corfu), Ionian Islands (Iónia Nisiá) periféreia (region), western Greece. What are the islands of the Maldives made of? Omissions? Omissions? Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Olive and cypress trees against the mountainous background of northern Corfu (Kérkyra), Greece. In 31 bce Octavian (later the emperor Augustus) used it as a base against Mark Antony, but his foundation of Nicopolis Actia on the site of his victory caused Corfu to lose a great deal of its prestige. The island is well watered, fertile, and reputed to have the most attractive countryside of the Greek islands. Is one of the most popular destinations and one of the first islands to open to tourism. The Corfu Trail is an epic 93-mile (150-kilometer) trek starting from the south of the island and ending on the northern tip. Exports include olive oil, fruit, grain, and wine; Corfu’s manufactures include soap and textiles. You will find below a list of the best beaches in Corfu island. The cosmopolitan island of Corfu is located in the Ionian Sea, in Greece. Don’t let the size of this Greek island fool you! Corfu is believed to be the island of Schera in Homer's Odyssey. Naufrage du Corfu Islands, le 20 décembre 1963. from WebTVdesiles PRO . 3 years ago. From the writings of Gerald and Lawrence Durrell to the place where the shipwrecked Odysseus was soothed and sent on his way home, Corfu has been portrayed as an idyll for centuries. Corfu is studded with whitewashed houses, Byzantine churches, and the remains of Venetian fortresses and Greek temples. Discover the best things to do in Corfu, fantastic beaches, top hotels, and restaurants, as well as a wide selection of breathtaking photos!.